In order to stage a Georges Feydeau's play, the director must have a great sense of timing because the action for most of his works require such a precision that not many are up to task. On the other hand, a man like Claude Autant-Lara was blessed with a knack for bringing all the antics of the author to a film that, even today, is worth a look for its action never stops.
Amelie, a worldly woman has been living with Etienne, an officer of the army. She has a beauty that is unusual, being admired by men that want to have her. Although she gives her charms sparingly, Amelie, finds herself into a situation that is created when the uncle of her friend Marcel comes into town and he is led to believe his nephew is going to marry the gorgeous and luscious woman.
Mr. Autant-Lara decided to make the story into a theater play where he invites the viewer to participate. The action one sees is what is happening on the stage as one sits and enjoys as though from a theater box where the viewer gets to see everything closely. As with any piece by Feydeau, the action must keep a frantic pace, something the director achieves with great panache.
Of course, anything with these players had an assured success from the start. Danielle Darrieux, one of the best stars of the French cinema is Amelie, the object of desire. She is the best excuse for watching the film. Jean Desailly shows up as Marcel, who is not aware how much Amelie means to him until the end. Victor Guyau is Von Putzenboom, the rich uncle that works with diamonds. Andre Bervil, Carette, Gregoire Aslan, and the entire company put on an entertaining show in this delicious comedy.
Amelie, a worldly woman has been living with Etienne, an officer of the army. She has a beauty that is unusual, being admired by men that want to have her. Although she gives her charms sparingly, Amelie, finds herself into a situation that is created when the uncle of her friend Marcel comes into town and he is led to believe his nephew is going to marry the gorgeous and luscious woman.
Mr. Autant-Lara decided to make the story into a theater play where he invites the viewer to participate. The action one sees is what is happening on the stage as one sits and enjoys as though from a theater box where the viewer gets to see everything closely. As with any piece by Feydeau, the action must keep a frantic pace, something the director achieves with great panache.
Of course, anything with these players had an assured success from the start. Danielle Darrieux, one of the best stars of the French cinema is Amelie, the object of desire. She is the best excuse for watching the film. Jean Desailly shows up as Marcel, who is not aware how much Amelie means to him until the end. Victor Guyau is Von Putzenboom, the rich uncle that works with diamonds. Andre Bervil, Carette, Gregoire Aslan, and the entire company put on an entertaining show in this delicious comedy.
